Evangelical Christian leaders in America have expressed their support for stricter gun regulations following December's tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., where 26 people were fatally shot.

In a poll conducted by the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE), 73 percent of church leaders agreed that there needs to be stricter gun regulations, in hopes that tragedies, such as the ones that occurred in Newtown, can be prevented or minimized in the future.

"Evangelicals are pro-life and deeply grieve when any weapons are used to take innocent lives," said Leith Anderson, President of the NAE. "The evangelical leaders who responded to the NAE survey support the Second Amendment right to bear arms but also want our laws to prevent the slaughter of children."...

Joe Van Brussel wrote:The U.S. is not a uniquely violent society, said Wintemute, who practices emergency medicine and conducts research on the nature and prevention of gun violence. Our overall rates of violence are similar to Australia, Canada and Western Europe. Where the U.S. stands out, Wintemute said, is in the homicide rate.

"That's a weapon effect. It's not clear that guns cause violence, but it's absolutely clear that they change the outcome," said Wintemute.

John UK wrote:I guess we'll just have to trust in God and leave the length of our life to his sovereign will.

Weapons also serve to protect other folks' hides, not merely our own. Application of "Love Your Neighbor As Yourself." And weapons do not need to be used to have a deterrent effect.

BTW, search for "Battle of Athens" for a 20th-century example of citizens using firearms to overthrow a local political tyranny, though many of the guns themselves (semiauto M1s) came from an armory. Only one man was killed â€” a victim of the tyranny itself.

Whow, John UK, once again you enlighten me!!! You are a true Brother in Christ. I have fallen into a trap like many others do and I often warn against. I am trusting in man. I apologize for that and thank you.

Kyle, I suppose your right. I don't own a gun and haven't for quite a while. It is a right that I don't exercise. Considering the above statement, I guess I really don't care one way or the other.

Barry, you can't be for restricting certain types of guns and then claim to not be a proponent of gun control. They don't go together. That's like saying you're pro-life but believe that abortion is a personal decision between s woman and her doctor.

Barry from Ky wrote:I guess I don't believe those versus are telling me to buy an AR15 with a 100 round clip. Are you guys actually being serious?

The issue is not whether it's commanded but whether it's permitted. It is not a sin to own weapons; it's only sinful to misuse or idolize them (as some gun fanatics do). Same goes for cars & other artifacts.

Now it makes as little sense for me to own an assault rifle as it does a Ferrari, but I won't condemn others for having them unless I know them well enough to see an error.

BTW, the Swiss militia system requires keeping full-auto weapons at home, such is the variability of human circumstance. I know some Christians who live in the desert near a route frequented by drug traffickers. So don't assume that because you can't think of a good reason to keep a weapon, nobody else can either.

I guess I don't believe those versus are telling me to buy an AR15 with a 100 round clip. Are you guys actually being serious? I am not a proponent of gun control. I am saying the second amendment can be changed. The constitution was writtened to be amended. I think we should at least have that discussion.